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Home » Dinner » The BEST Turkey Burgers

Published: June 18, 2019 Last Modified: June 18, 2019 By Sara 71 Comments

The BEST Turkey Burgers

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Turkey Burgers Recipe | Grilled Burgers #burger #turkey #dinner #sandwich #dinneratthezoo #grilling

The best turkey burger recipe with lean ground turkey and plenty of spices and flavorings. In my opinion, these turkey burgers are just as delicious as their beef counterparts, and they take just minutes to make!

Turkey Burgers Recipe | Grilled Burgers #burger #turkey #dinner #sandwich #dinneratthezoo #grilling Turkey Burgers Recipe | Grilled Burgers #burger #turkey #dinner #sandwich #dinneratthezoo #grilling

I use ground turkey a lot in cooking, it’s a versatile and healthy protein option. My favorite recipes that include ground turkey are slow cooker turkey chili, turkey meatballs, and these fabulous turkey burgers.

The best turkey burgers topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion and avocado.

I love a big juicy hamburger, but when I’m looking for a delicious burger that’s on the lighter side, I turn to these turkey burgers. They’re tender, juicy and loaded with flavor. You won’t miss the beef, I promise!

How do you make turkey burgers?

This recipe starts with lean ground turkey, which is mixed with breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, egg, Worcestershire sauce and spices. The turkey mixture is formed into patties, then is cooked either on the grill or in a pan on the stove. Place your turkey burgers onto buns with an assortment of toppings, then serve and enjoy.

Ground turkey, breadcrumbs, seasonings and garlic in a mixing bowl.

Tips for turkey burgers

  • Be sure to use 93% lean ground turkey, which is a mix of dark and white meat. I’d avoid the 99% lean ground turkey breast because it’s much more likely to dry out.
  • Your turkey mixture can be prepared up to 6 hours before you plan to cook it.
  • Serve your burgers with plenty of toppings, I like to use lettuce, tomato, avocado and red onion.
  • You can melt sliced cheese on top of the burgers during the last 5 minutes of the cooking process.

Turkey burgers on a grill pan.

How do you know if a turkey burger is done?

Ground turkey is cooked through when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the burger registers at least 165 degrees F. You can also cut into the burger to check to see if it’s done; for a turkey burger, there should be no pink remaining inside.

An open faced turkey burger topped with sliced avocado.

Is a turkey burger healthier than a hamburger?

The answer to this question depends on what type of ground beef you’re comparing your ground turkey to. Many burgers are made with chuck, which is 80% lean. In this case, the turkey burger would be the healthier choice because it’s lower in fat and calories. That being said, if you use an extra lean ground beef (93% lean), it will have a similar nutritional profile to the ground turkey.

How do you keep turkey burgers from sticking to the grill?

If you’re using an outdoor grill, you’ll want to take care to make sure that your burgers do not stick to the grates.

  • Make sure your grill grates are super clean. If there are bits of old food left on the grilling surface, the burgers will be more likely to stick.
  • Coat your grill grates with vegetable oil before you place the burgers on the grill. You should also add a little extra oil to the surface of your burgers for added insurance that they will not stick.
  • Make sure your grill is pre-heated before you add the burgers

A turkey burger topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion.

My husband has proclaimed this recipe to be the best turkey burger he’s ever had, and I have to agree with him. They’re fresh, light and packed with flavor!

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The best turkey burgers topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion and avocado.
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5 from 13 votes

Turkey Burgers

The best turkey burger recipe with lean ground turkey and plenty of spices and flavorings. In my opinion, these turkey burgers are just as delicious as their beef counterparts, and they take just minutes to make!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 491kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs I use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • assorted toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado and red onion

Instructions

  • Place the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and parsley in a bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Shape the meat mixture into 4 patties. Brush the vegetable oil all over the patties.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan or skillet on the stove to medium high heat.
  • Add the burgers and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until completely cooked through.
  • Place the burgers on the buns, add toppings as desired, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 687mg | Potassium: 671mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 3.8mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 6.1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!

This post was originally published on June 25, 2015 and was updated June 18, 2019 with new content.

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Filed Under: Dinner, Grilling

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    Comments

    1. Taylor Kiser says

      June 19, 2019 at 11:18 am

      I love a good turkey burger! And those purple potatoes are the perfect side!

      Reply
    2. Kate says

      June 19, 2019 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      This looks just delicious! Making this tonight can’t wait!

      Reply
    3. Anita @ Daily Cooking Questa says

      June 19, 2019 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      My parents are coming to celebrate the 4th with us. This turkey burger will be perfect for Mom who doesn’t each much beef. 🙂

      Reply
    4. Erika says

      July 8, 2018 at 3:34 pm

      5 stars
      I love the colors on this burger. It is really delicious! I bet this burger would also be good with a little BBQ sauce.

      Reply
    5. Laura @ Petite Allergy Treats says

      July 1, 2015 at 12:39 pm

      What a fun and creative way to celebrate in style! I love the natural color of the chips too!

      Reply
    6. Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says

      June 30, 2015 at 8:29 pm

      I love the added purple potatoes…super festive!

      Reply
    7. Diane says

      June 30, 2015 at 9:03 am

      I love this idea. the purple potato chips are genius! This looks like a fun way to celebrate the Fourth and keep going with it all summer! My family will be all over this recipe!

      Reply
    8. Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness says

      June 28, 2015 at 7:59 pm

      Wow, this burger looks amazing. I love the toppings that you added. The fresh mozzarella is such a yummy addition. Great pictures!

      Reply
    9. Ashleigh says

      June 28, 2015 at 1:02 pm

      How fun are those purple potatoes?! I can’t wait to try these burgers! They look amazing…thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
    10. Itziar says

      June 27, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      This is a great 4th of July idea!

      Reply
    11. Michelle | A Latte Food says

      June 27, 2015 at 10:39 am

      Oh my goodness, I love this! The blue potato chip addition is so creative–I’m seriously in awe right now!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:08 pm

        Thanks Michelle, it just popped into my head one day to use them!

        Reply
    12. Susan | LunaCafe says

      June 26, 2015 at 11:03 pm

      LOL! What a fun idea. These red, white and blue burgers are the stuff memories are made of. 🙂

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:09 pm

        Thanks Susan, hope you have a great 4th!

        Reply
    13. Healing Tomato says

      June 26, 2015 at 10:54 pm

      Now that is what I call a DELICIOUS burger. I love the color theme and it is perfect for 4th of July.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:09 pm

        Thanks Rini, I figure what’s more American than a hamburger right? Or a veggie burger 🙂

        Reply
    14. Christina says

      June 26, 2015 at 10:10 pm

      Thank you for sharing. I was actually looking for something to make on the 4th. Looks great!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:10 pm

        Thanks Christina, it’s definitely a crowd pleaser!

        Reply
    15. Bethany says

      June 26, 2015 at 7:15 pm

      I love purple potatoes! So yummy, pretty, and good for you!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:10 pm

        I didn’t even think of the health factor, they probably are healthier with that bright color!

        Reply
    16. Nibbles By Nic says

      June 26, 2015 at 6:55 pm

      Patriotic and delicious all in one! The chips on top are a fab idea…gorgeous pictures too!!!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:10 pm

        Thanks for the compliment Nic!

        Reply
    17. Amanda @ The Chunky Chef says

      June 26, 2015 at 2:13 pm

      I LOVE this burger!! The purple (blue) potatoes really set it off, great job 😀

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:11 pm

        Thanks Amanda! I don’t know what to call it either, technically they’re purple potatoes but they bake up blue so I guess they’re a little of both!

        Reply
    18. Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog says

      June 26, 2015 at 11:22 am

      So pretty! Perfect for a barbecue for the holiday. I love the creativity.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:12 pm

        Thanks Miranda, hope you have a very happy 4th of July!

        Reply
    19. Byron Thomas says

      June 26, 2015 at 9:44 am

      Looks yummy! I love the purple potato chips!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:13 pm

        Thanks Byron, they taste as good as they look!

        Reply
    20. Olivia @ livforcake says

      June 26, 2015 at 9:29 am

      Love this combo! Looks delicious.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2015 at 2:14 pm

        Thanks Olivia! Now if only I can incorporate red, white and blue into the rest of my 4th of July meal 🙂

        Reply
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